< Previous10 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES A tranquil oasis This month’s featured property offers peace and seclusion in a stunning stone home surrounded by 5.7 acres of grounds. A tranquil oasis LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 11 HOMES D own a country lane, just outside Thurlby, is a tranquil oasis providing respite from the hustle and bustle of life; a handsome, double gabled, stone-built home set within 5.7 acres of gardens and grounds. Built in 1991, the current owner has lived at Northorpe Lodge for 17 years, moving to the property in search of a calming, but well connected, retreat. “After moving around the country for my husbands’ job for over 50 years we wanted somewhere peaceful to settle down that wasn’t so remote as to not have any amenities nearby and this property fitted the bill,” the owner shared. Achieving this, the abode is without direct neighbours whilst still being a stone’s throw from village life, and close to the towns of Bourne and Stamford, the city of Peterborough and its 12 Á12 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES links to the capital. “The feeling of space, the peace and all the visiting wildlife,” are the owner’s favourite things about the property’s position, where there are also lots of footpaths across the fields and a bluebell wood a short walk away. Creating the home that appears today, the owner has made splendid additions and alterations, including converting a room above the garage so that it can accommodate visitors when the extra space is needed. A garden room was added on to the kitchen so that friends and family could have somewhere comfortable to sit and chat whilst food was being prepared, and a new, lighter kitchen has been fitted. Furthermore, in 2015, an old tumbledown milking shed was converted into a single-story ancillary accommodation, which has been used for parties for children and adults, meditation groups, and as an art studio. It has the benefit of a bedroom with en- suite which has also been used as a gym in the past, a WC, a kitchenette, a spacious main room that could house a full sized snooker table for a keen player, and an enormous attached garage, containing a large ride on mower to take care of the five acres of grass to be cut. Taking a tour of the property, a gate gives way to a sweeping driveway, flanked by well-manicured lawns and a huge variety of trees, including sycamore, weeping willow, crack willow, and field maple. On coming through the gate there are copses of trees on either side, which the owner notes are “lovely to wander through, especially in the spring when the snowdrops and daffodils are out.” As one continues up the drive, a large, natural pond is passed, home to ducks, moorhens, frogs, and newts, before reaching a circular drive, with an island full of flora in the centre. To the side is a detached double garage with a room above for an office or visiting guests, while the house itself greets you with the stunning contrast of stone against the variegated LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 13 HOMES ivy growing around it, turning a beautiful shade in the autumn. Stepping into the four-bedroom dwelling, a refined yet relaxed ambience and soft, neutral colour palette welcomes you. One begins in the grand entrance hall with an impressive staircase that ascends and splits to a galleried landing. To the left is a dual aspect living room with a statement fireplace, which neighbours a cosy snug. Across the hallway is the dining room, positioned next to the kitchen. Though the owner notes it is “difficult to choose a favourite room as they’re all so light with views in every direction…as with a lot of homes the kitchen is the heart and the Aga the perfect centrepiece.” Fitted with modern shaker style units, topped with granite worktops, the kitchen also features an island incorporating a sink, an integrated dishwasher, plenty of cupboard space, an integrated microwave, and the 14 Á14 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES aforementioned Aga, providing an ideal spot for eager cooks. At one end of the kitchen there is an area for dining, where French doors open onto the rear garden, and the room further flows into the light and bright garden room with panoramic views of the garden. Completing the ground floor are a utility room and WC. Exploring upstairs, the galleried landing provides access to four bedrooms, all with en-suites, an airing cupboard, and a storage room with an electric pull down ladder, leading to the loft, where there are three rooms presenting an opportunity to create extra bedrooms. There remains more to discover behind the house, with a heated outdoor swimming pool, with its own boiler located in the Amdega building beside it. Paving around the pool leads on to a seating area; a great spot to bask in the sun or entertain. Indeed, the entire property is spectacular for hosting guests. The owner shared: “We have had lots of events for family and friends. The layout, LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 15 HOMES Create the fireplace of your dreams. Choose from electric, gas & solid fuel options. Fitting services available by our own highly skilled & experienced in-house installation team. Visit our large family run showroom for inspiration. Burning Sensation (Grimsby) Ltd Armstrong Street, Grimsby. DN31 1XD Call: 01472 351651 sales@burningsensation.co.uk www.burningsensation.co.uk outbuildings and pool make it the perfect venue for birthday parties, BBQs and get togethers. We’ve had around 50 people here comfortably.” The converted single story ancillary accommodation, sitting to the left of the house, and separated by hedges, offers further room to entertain, and being like a parkland, the property is also visited by lots of wildlife, including a huge variety of birds. “It’s lovely to sit in the arbour listening to the birdsong,” the owner added. Whilst the owner has loved the abode, the time has come to sell to be closer to family. Northorpe Lodge is on the market with Fine & Country with a guide price of £1,595,000. ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRE 16 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY pop Urban LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 17 THE LITTLE RED GALLERY Love art? Then we’d love to meet you, please call in for a cup of tea and a chat. The Little Red Gallery are feeling ‘Love’ with a fantastic range of pieces and perfect gift ideas. Hue Folk is a new exciting emergent British Urban Pop artist, creatively using bold colours and iconic images for their designs. Born in 1989, Hue Folk is heavily influenced by the pop culture of his era. His fascination with vibrant colour is an element that carries across all his original, mixed media, works. Opting to paint under a pseudonym, not much is known about the person behind Hue Folk, and this means that you are able to delve into the rich and energetic world which Hue Folk conjures up without having the experience connected to the real world. Everything remains an adventure with Hue Folk, and you are able to live in that adventurous and magical land with each piece that he creates. ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRE IF YOU’D LIKE TO SEE HUE’S WORK FOR YOURSELF, HEAD DOWN TO LINCOLN’S LITTLE RED GALLERY18 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping gives tips on how to awaken your garden for spring. Planting and sowing March is a prime time to sow seeds, both indoors and outdoors. Hardy annuals like calendula, cornflowers, and larkspur can be sown directly into prepared beds. If you’re eager to start your summer displays, sow half- hardy annuals such as cosmos and zinnias indoors in seed trays. Vegetable growers can also get started. Broad beans, peas, spinach, and early varieties of carrots can be sown directly into the ground. For crops like tomatoes, chillies, and aubergines, start them off indoors or in a heated greenhouse. Pruning and tidying March is the month to tackle pruning tasks before the sap starts to rise. Trim back roses, cutting just above outward-facing buds to encourage strong new growth. Late- flowering clematis can also be pruned now, cutting back to about 30cm from the ground. Clear away the remnants of last year’s perennials and ornamental grasses, cutting them down to ground level to make way for new shoots. A s the days grow longer and the first signs of spring brighten our landscapes, March is a pivotal month for gardeners. It’s a time of renewal and preparation, with the promise of vibrant blooms and productive crops ahead. Here’s how to make the most of this exciting month in your garden. The ground awakens Winter may have left the soil compacted and lacking nutrients, so now is the time to invigorate it. Begin by clearing away any lingering debris and adding a generous layer of organic compost or well-rotted manure to enrich your beds. As the soil warms, this will provide the perfect environment for strong, healthy growth. If you’re dealing with heavy clay soil, incorporate grit or sharp sand to improve drainage. For lighter sandy soils, enrich with organic matter to retain moisture during the warmer months ahead. Awaken your garden for spring* Protect new spring shoot from slugs * Plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes * Plant summer-flowering bulbs such as Allium, Frecsia, Begonia, Crocosmia and Bearded Iris * Cut back Cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow) and buddleias * Start feeding fish and using the pond fountain and remove pond heaters * Open the greenhouse or conservatory doors and vents on warm days * Get rid of slimy patches on the patio by using a scrubbing broom and cleaning fluid or a pressure washer (be careful it is not too powerful, or it will damage the grout) * Sow sweet peas * Trim winter-flowering heathers as the flowers disappear, to prevent the plants becoming leggy * Keep feeding the birds LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 19 FULLERS Call 01522 868717 or 07867 510544 landscapinglincolnshire@gmail.com www.landscapinglincolnshire.com GARDEN ADVICE Specialised Service in Garden Design and Landscaping Backed by a highly-skilled and experienced team, we’ve built our reputation on an ability to provide our clients with professional, tailored garden design and construction services. Around the garden Wildlife-friendly gardening As the garden awakens, so does the wildlife. Welcome pollinators by planting nectar-rich flowers such as hellebores, lungwort, and early primroses. Provide a source of water for birds and bees, and keep bird feeders topped up as natural food sources remain scarce. If you’ve been considering a wildlife pond, March is an ideal time to start. Even a small pond can attract frogs, newts, and dragonflies, adding vitality and balance to your garden ecosystem. Plan for success Take time to plan your garden’s layout and crop rotation. Sketch out your planting schemes and consider companion planting to deter pests and boost yields. Order seeds and plants early to ensure the best selection and avoid disappointment. March is a month of possibilities. Whether you’re nurturing seedlings indoors, turning the compost heap, or simply enjoying the sight of daffodils swaying in the breeze, take joy in the process. The gardening year is just beginning, and the work you put in now will reward you with a season of beauty and abundance. However, if you have a project that requires a professional touch, give us a call. We’d love to see how we can assist you! © stock.adobe.com/fotomine © stock.adobe.com/Leika production © stock.adobe.com/KristinNext >